Instruction/ maintenance manual of the product VSX-36TX Pioneer
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VSX-37TX VSX-36TX Operating Instructions AUDIO/VIDEO MUL TI-CHANNEL RECEIVER.
II Thank you for buying this Pioneer product. Please read through these operating instructions so you will know how to operate your model properly . After you have finished reading the instructions, put them away in a safe place for future reference. [For U.
III READ INSTRUCTIONS — All the safety and operating instructions should be read before the product is operated. RETAIN INSTRUCTIONS — The safety and operating instructions should be retained for future reference. HEED WARNINGS — All warnings on the product and in the operating instructions should be adhered to.
IV DVD player OUTPUT DIGIT AL STEREO L R ANALOG VIDEO OUT VIDEO VIDEO INPUT DVD / LD IN S2 VIDEO VIDEO VIDEO AUDIO IN IN 5 IN 4 IN 3 2 RF IN (AC-3) IN 2 IN 1 PCM/ 2 / DTS DIGIT AL MONITOR OUT L R L R .
V Quick Start Guide R L (Single) SURROUND BACK PRE OUT SUB WOOFER Surround back speaker (Right) Surround back speaker (Left) INPUT Powered subwoofer Additional Amplifier (See p.
VI Quick Start Guide 4 4 4 4 4 Digital Input Assignment This is only necessary if you did not hook up your DVD to DIGIT AL IN 1, as in the first diagram on p. IV (only the VSX-37TX has an AC-3 RF terminal). 1 Set the remote control slide switch to SETUP .
VII Quick Start Guide 5 5 5 5 5 Playing a DVD with Surround Sound Speaker Setting [ FREE ] [THX] [LARGE] [ NO ] [LARGE] [LARGEx2] [ YES ] Front L Center Surround SurrBack Subwoofer [EXIT] 6 6 6 6 6 For Better Surround Sound 1 Go through the entire "system setup" procedures as outlined on pages 12-21 of this instruction manual.
8 Multi Channel Stereophonic Concept The VSX-37TX/36TX receiver is constr ucted with Pioneer’ s industry-leading multi channel ster eophonic concept.
9 PREP ARA TION Before Y ou Start ................................. 10 Checking the Supplied Accessories ........................ 10 How to Use This Manual .......................................... 10 Preparing the Remote Control ....................
10 Checking the Supplied Accessories Please check that you have received all of the following supplied accessories. Preparing the Remote Control Loading the batteries Load the batteries into the remote control as shown below. Please use alkaline batteries.
11 PREP ARA TION Operating range of remote control unit The area in which you can use the remote control to operate the VSX-37TX/36TX is fairly large. To use, point the remote control toward the remote sensor on the front panel of this unit while within the range shown right.
12 Cassette deck placement Depending on where the cassette deck is placed, noise may occur during playback of your cassette deck which is caused by leakage flux from the transformer in the receiver. If you experience noise, move the cassette deck farther away from the receiver.
13 PREP ARA TION Digital Connections In order to use Dolby Digital/DTS soundtracks which are at the heart of home theater you need to make digital audio connections. Y ou can do this by either a coaxial or an optical connection (you don’t need to do both).
14 Example Connection for a DVD/LD or LD player Make sure you connect your DVD/LD or LD players using both the 2 RF jack and either a coaxial or optical (you don't need to do both of these) digital connections. If your player has an 2 RF output this will ensure you can use all LDs (see p.
15 PREP ARA TION V ideo Components Connect your video components to the jacks as shown below. Regarding a DVD there are two types of connections to make.
16 CD IN SURR- OUND SUB WOOFER CENTER FRONT MULTI CH IN SURR- OUND FRONT L R L L L L R R R R L R SUB WOOFER PRE OUT CENTER COMPONENT VIDEO DVD/LD IN TV/SAT IN Y P B P R MONITOR OUT P B P R Y MULTI CH .
17 PREP ARA TION TV Connect your TV to the jacks as shown below. Hook up the signal with either component video, S-video, or composite video cords (the quality descends in this order) but remember, the video component you are watching and your TV must be hooked up with same type of video cord or you won't be able to see the picture.
18 Connecting the Radio Antennas Connect the supplied FM wire antenna and the AM loop antenna to the antenna terminals as shown below. These antennas should provide adequate reception quality in most cases, but connecting outdoor antennas should noticeably improve sound quality.
19 PREP ARA TION Speakers A full complement of eight speakers is shown here but, naturally, everyone's home set up will vary. Simply connect the speakers you have in the manner described below.
20 Connecting Y our Equipment Placing Y our Speakers Proper speaker placement is essential to realize the best sound from your system. The diagram and tips given here are just a rough guide; be sure to read the instructions that come with your speakers.
21 PREP ARA TION Connecting Additional Amplifiers To hook up surround back speakers you need to use an additional amplifier. Other than for that purpose this receiver has more than sufficient power for any home use, but it is possible to add additional amplifiers to every channel of your system.
22 Front Panel All the controls on the front panel are explained and/or referenced here. T o open the front panel push gently on the lower third of the panel. 1 ST ANDBY/ON button Press to switch the receiver ON or into ST ANDBY mode. ST ANDBY indicator Lights when the receiver is in ST ANDBY mode.
23 PREP ARA TION Displays & Controls 3 MUL TI CH INPUT (See p.40, 51) Use to hook up an external component that can decode other types of signals and input them into the VSX-37TX/36TX. 4 TONE control buttons TONE button This button has two functions.
24 9 INPUT SELECTOR dial T urn to select a source component. (Y ou can also use to select a function in the MUL TI- ROOM & SOURCE mode). The source indica- tors show the current component: DVD/LD – DVD player or Laser Disc player . TV/SA T– TV or satellite tuner .
25 PREP ARA TION Displays & Controls Display All the display information is explained and/or referenced here. 1 SIGNAL SELECT indicators Light to indicate the input signal you selected. ANALOG : Lights when analog signals are assigned. DIGITAL: Lights when digital audio signals are selected.
26 Remote Control 1 USE/SETUP slide switch Use to put the remote into receiver SETUP , or receiver USE mode. 2 SOURCE button Use to turn on the power of your other components after you have recalled or taught the signals to this remote control. MUL TI OPERA TION button Use this button to start the MUL TI OPERA TION mode.
27 PREP ARA TION 5 (+)/ ∞ (–)/ 2 / 3 /ENTER buttons Use to operate the on-screen menu on your TV screen and enter commands when setting up surround sound, speakers levels & settings, and other set up features see p.28-40. Specific use of these buttons is described in conjunc- tion with the operations they perform.
28 Switching video system between PAL and NTSC (if necessary) This receiver is able to use two types of video systems for its OSD (on screen display) either PAL or NTSC. If you don't match the system on the amplifier with your home system no OSD will appear on your TV.
29 SET UP Setting Up for Surround Sound To ensure the best possible surround sound, be sure to complete the following setup operations. You only need to make these settings once (unless you change the placement of your current speaker system or add new speakers, etc.
30 Channel Delay (See p.34) Set up all your speakers for the most realistic surround sound. Adding a slight delay to some speakers enhances sound separation and is particularly important for achieving a surround sound effect. Y ou need to figure out the distance from your listening position to your speakers to add the proper delay .
31 SET UP 1 DIGIT AL IN SELECT should be selected (if it isn't use the 5¥∞ buttons to select it). See “Setting Up for Surround Sound“ on page 29 if you need more information.
32 Speaker Setting The following steps show you how to specify the type of speakers you connected. Use the 5¥∞ and 2¥3 buttons to make a selection from the on-screen menus, and use the ENTER button to register the information. If continuing from the previous page go to step 1.
33 SET UP CENTER (default setting is LARGE) • Select LARGE if your speaker will reproduce bass frequen- cies effectively . • Select SMALL to send bass frequencies to the other speakers or the subwoofer . • If you did not connect a center speaker , select NO.
34 1 Select CHANNEL DELA Y (if continuing from last set up, it will already be selected). See “Setting Up for Surround Sound“ on page 29 if you are unsure how to do this. Press the ENTER button. [10.0ft] [10.0ft] [10.0ft] [10.0ft] [10.0ft] [10.0ft] [10.
35 SET UP Channel Level The following steps show you how to balance the sound output level of your speakers. Proper speaker balance is essential for obtaining high quality surround sound. If continuing from Channel Delay go to step 1. If starting fresh, complete steps 1-3 in “Setting Up for Surround Sound“ (p.
36 4 Adjust speaker levels so that you hear the test tone at the same volume from each speaker when seated in your main listening position. Note: The volume of the subwoofer tends to sound lower than it actually is, you may need to raise its level after testing the sound with actual soundtracks.
37 SET UP Crossover Network The following steps show you how to adjust the crossover network. The crossover network is the frequency at which the system divides the signal and sends the different parts (high, mid, low) to different speakers.
38 1 Select BASS PEAK LEVEL (if continuing from CROSSOVER NETWORK it will already be selected). See “Setting Up for Surround Sound“ on page 29 if you are unsure how to do this. Press the ENTER button. Bass Peak Le vel Manager [ Setting Start ] [Setting Cancel] [EXIT] 2 Output the test tone for the LFE channel and specify the peak level.
39 SET UP 1 Select D-RANGE CONTROL (if continuing from BASS PEAK LEVEL, it will already be selected). See “Setting Up for Surround Sound“ on page 29 if you are unsure how to do this. Press the ENTER button. Dynamic Range Control Select Mode [ OFF ] (For Dolby Digital) [EXIT] • The default setting is OFF .
40 Multi Channel In Setting If you have a Multi Channel external decoder you can choose whether to have the sound level set to BYPASS, that is coming out of the decoder at full volume, or set to ADJUST, which means the levels can be reduced in volume.
OPERA TION OPERA TION 41 Basic Playback Sound Modes The five sound modes on the receiver are explained here. These can be turned on from the front panel or from the remote control. There are three cinema modes: STANDARD, HOME THX CINEMA, and ADVANCED THEATER.
42 Basic Playback memo ADVANCED THEATER modes The Advanced Theater mode is a newly designed system for enhancing movie soundtracks and other audio- visual sources.
OPERA TION 43 DSP modes The DSP (Digital Signal Processing) modes allow you to transform your living room into a variety of different sonic environments when playing either two-channel or multi-channel sources. If you have SURROUND BACK speaker(s) switched on (see p.
44 Selecting a Sound Mode To ensure the best possible surround sound, be sure to complete the set up procedures described in “Setting Up for Surround Sound” (starting on page 29) before using the sound modes. This is particularly important when using the 2 (Dolby) Digital or DTS sources.
OPERA TION 45 1 T urn on the power of the playback component. 2 Put the remote control slide switch in USE. 3 Press the RECEIVER button to turn on the receiver . Be sure that the standby indicator turns off on the front panel. 4 Press the MUL TI CONTROL buttons or the FUNCTION button to select the source you want to playback.
46 Playing Stereo Sources The following instructions show you how to use the receiver for stereo audio or audio-visual. If the T APE 2 indicator is visible in the display , it means the T APE 2 MONITOR is on. Press T APE 2 MONITOR on the front panel to turn it off unless you want to listen to T APE 2.
OPERA TION 47 Switching Analog and Digital Signal Input This switch moves the input fed to the receiver between analog, digital and 2 RF sources. You need to take special care to switch to the appropriate input, when necessary.
48 1 Put the remote control slide switch in USE. 2 Press the DIGIT AL NR button on the remote control or on the front panel. Each press switches DIGIT AL NR on or off. dB STEREO SIGNAL SELECT SP A DIGITAL VOLUME j dB STEREO SIGNAL SELECT SP A DIGITAL VOLUME • In cases described below , noises may not be reduced even if DIGIT AL NR is on.
OPERA TION 49 Listening in Midnight Mode This feature makes it possible to get excellent surround sound effects even when listening at low volumes. It can be used with a variety of surround sound sources and plays soundtracks so that the quieter sounds are audible while the noisier sounds don’t become overly loud or distorted.
50 Adjusting Bass and T reble You can use BASS +/– or TREBLE +/– buttons to adjust the low and high frequencies for each individual set of speakers. If the receiver is in STEREO mode you can only adjust the FRONT speakers. In a surround mode (STANDARD, ADVANCED THEATER, etc.
OPERA TION 51 Basic Playback MUL TI CHANNEL IN Playback MULTI CH IN allows you to connect an external decoder to enjoy certain types of specialized discs. To use MULTI CH IN playback follow the instructions below. memo 1 Put the remote control slide switch in USE.
52 Adjusting the Brightness of the Display Use the FL DIMMER button to adjust the brightness of the fluorescent display (FL=fluorescent display). Press the FL DIMMER button. Four levels of brightness ranging from very dim to very bright can be selected.
OPERA TION 53 DUAL MONO Setting The dual mono setting can only be used when listening to Dolby Digital discs that have dual mono software encoded in them. Dual mono software usually is used to put two different soundtracks on one DVD. With this setting you can choose which channel in the dual mono setting you want to listen to.
54 Automatic and Manual T uning The following steps show you how to tune in FM and AM radio broadcasts using the automatic (search) and manual (step) tuning functions. If you already know the exact frequency of the station you desire, see “Direct Access Tuning“ on the following page.
OPERA TION 55 Direct Access T uning The following steps show you how to tune directly to a specific frequency using the remote control. 1 Put the remote control slide switch in USE. 2 Press the TUNER button. This selects the TUNER function on the receiver and sets the remote to the TUNER operation mode.
56 Memorizing Frequently Used Stations The following steps show you how to memorize up to 30 radio stations in 3 classes (each holding 10 channels). When memorizing FM frequencies, the receiver also memorizes the MPX mode (STEREO or MONO). 1 T une in the desired station.
OPERA TION 57 Recalling Memorized Stations Using the remote control 1 Put the remote control slide switch in USE. 2 Press the TUNER button. This selects the TUNER function on the receiver and sets the remote to the TUNER operation mode.
58 1 Set the remote control slide switch to SETUP . Also make sure that your TV is on and set to the receiver . 2 Press the REMOTE SETUP (INPUT A TT) button.
OPERA TION 59 4 Press the MUL TI CONTROL button for the component you want to control. The selected button lights steadily and the first manufacturer (and preset code(s) appear on your TV screen.
60 Learning Commands from Other Remote Controls If preset codes are not available for your component(s), or the available preset codes do not operate correctly, you can use this function to program in signals from the remote control(s) of your other component(s).
OPERA TION 61 5 Press the button to be programmed. The MUL TI CONTROL button lights steadily . • The TV POWER, TV FUNC and TV VOL +/– buttons are only available for learning when programming TV CONTROL operations. 6 Point the remote controls at each other and press the button on the other remote control for the operation you wish to program.
62 Using the Remote Control with Other Components DVD or LD Player Operations • The following operations are available from the receiver's remote control after you program your DVD or LD player.
OPERA TION 63 VCR & DVD Recorder Operations • The following operations are available from the receiver's remote control after you program your VCR or DVD video recorder's preset code, but some operations may need to be learned by the receiver (see “Setting Up the Remote Control to Control Other Components,“ on pages 58-61).
64 CD & CD-R Player Operations • The following operations are available from the receiver's remote control after you program your CD player or CD-R's preset code, but some operations may need to be learned by the receiver (see “Setting Up the Remote Control to Control Other Components,“ on pages 58-61).
OPERA TION 65 MD Operations • The following operations are available from the receiver's remote control after you program your MD recorder's preset code, but some operations may need to be learned by the receiver (see “Setting up the Remote Control to Control Other Components,“ on pages 58-61).
66 1 SOURCE Press to switch the satellite tuner on or off (not possible with all models, especially those without a standby mode). 2 ¶˜7˜3˜8˜1 (A/B/C/D/E) Use to make selections from Satellite functions. 3 Number buttons Use to select satellite channels.
OPERA TION 67 TV Operations • The following operations are available from the receiver's remote control after you program your TV's preset code, but some operations may need to be learned by the receiver (see “Setting Up the Remote Control to Control Other Components,“ on pages 58-61).
68 1 SOURCE Press to switch the cassette deck on or off (not possible with all models, especially those without a standby mode). 2 7 Press to stop playback or recording. 3 ¶ Press to start recording. 4 1˜¡ 1 : Press to rewind the tape. ¡ : Press to fast forward the tape.
OPERA TION 69 Recording from Audio Components The following explanations show you how to record an analog or digital audio signal. Note that your analog components cannot record a player that is only connected digitally (and vice-versa).
70 Recording from V ideo Components The following operations show you how to record audio and video to the video tape recorder connected to the VCR 1, VCR 2 or DVR jacks. Note that all signals coming out of these jacks will be analog and it is not possible to record Dolby Digital/DTS soundtracks.
OPERA TION 71 Multi Operations A Multi Operation is a sequence of commands programmed into a single button to save you a lot of repetitive button pressing.
72 Performing Multi Operations Once you've programmed a Multi Operation, here's how to use it. 1 Set the remote control slide switch to USE. 2 Press the MUL TI OPERA TION button on the remote control. The MUL TI CONTROL buttons start to blink.
OPERA TION 73 System Off The SYSTEM OFF feature allows you to tell the receiver and your other components to stop and turn off with the push of only one button on the remote control (this feature will only work with components that have a standby mode) .
74 Setting Up the Direct Function The DIRECT FUNCTION is designed in case you have an external video source connected to your TV (a video source that is not going through the receiver). For this explanation we'll call this the "external video deck.
OPERA TION 75 Remote Back Light When you press any button on the remote all the buttons light for a few seconds. You can change the strength of this light here. The default backlighting mode is MID, MAX is the strongest. MID is slightly weaker. There's also the option to switch off backlighting altogether.
76 Erasing Learned Remote Control Commands Erasing All Learned Commands and Preset Codes 1 Set the remote control slide switch to SETUP . 2 Press and hold both the REMOTE SETUP (INPUT A TT) button and 0 for more than 3 seconds.
OPERA TION 77 V ideo Select Press the VIDEO SELECT button on the front panel to cycle through the different possible video inputs. The first press shows the video input you are currently using. After that pressing VIDEO SELECT cycles though the possibili- ties in the following order: The OFF setting means the AUDIO and VIDEO source are the same.
78 Using Other Functions Multi-Room When used together with an optional IR receiver, this receiver is capable of outputting two different sources at the same time. One to the (main) MONITOR OUT jack and SPEAKERS terminals and another to the MULTI ROOM & SOURCE AUDIO and MONITOR OUT jacks.
OPERA TION 79 Using Other Functions MULTI-ROOM set up After you have completed the necessary connections for MUL TI-ROOM operation you need to set up the receiver for such operation. Follow the instructions below . The page after this one explains how to use the MUL TI-ROOM function once it's been set up.
80 Using the front panel with the MULTI-ROOM system 1 Press the MUL TI-ROOM & SOURCE button. The display shown below will illuminate when the receiver is in ST ANDBY mode. Also, the MR&S button will light. 2 Press the CONTROL button. The light will start to blink.
OPERA TION 81 Using the remote control with the MULTI-ROOM system Using Other Functions SUB room MAIN room MULTI-ROOM & SOURCE CONTROL REFERENCE AUDIO/VIDEO MULTI—CHANNEL RECEIVER 1 Set the slide switch to USE. 2 From the sub room, point the remote control at the MUL TI ROOM sensor and press the RECEIVER button.
82 Using Other Functions • Y ou can also control PIONEER components (and those made by other manufacturers) by pointing the receiver's remote control directly at the respective component. This type of operation does not re- quire control cords.
83 Dolby Digital Digital sound 24681 0 1 2 1 4 M H z Frequency Analog sound (Monaural) Video Dolby Digital sound Dolby Digital is a compression format which records the sound of 6 channels of the theater surround system (Dolby Digital) on the movie film digital track.
84 THX DTS DTS has been adopted as a sound recording format in the latest movie theaters since the release of “JURASSIC PARK” in 1993, and has a good reputation for high quality sound and dynamic surround effects. In this system, 6 channels of digital sound are recorded on CD-ROM, rather than on the film.
85 T echno Ti dbits & Problem-solving Preset Code List Manufacturer TOSHIBA SONY PANASONIC JVC SAMSUNG SHARP AKAI RCA PIONEER SONY PANASONIC KENWOOD PHILIPS MITSUBISHI RCA PIONEER RCA SONY ECHOSTA.
86 T roubleshooting Incorrect operations are often mistaken for trouble and malfunctions. If you think that there is something wrong with this component, check the points below. Sometimes the trouble may lie in another component. Investigate the other components and electrical appliances being used.
87 T echno Ti dbits & Problem-solving Cause • Speaker settings are incorrect. • The rear and/or center levels are turned down. • The surround and/or center speakers are disconnected. • SIGNAL SELECT is set incorrectly. • The digital inputs are assigned incorrectly, or not at all.
88 Cause • Either the digital connections or the DIGITAL IN SELECT choices are incorrect. • The TAPE2 MONITOR mode is ON. • You are not using a source with Surround EX flag. • The player is paused or stopped. • There is a mistake in the player settings for audio output.
89 T echno Ti dbits & Problem-solving Selecting fine audio equipment such as the unit you’ve just purchased is only the start of your musical enjoyment. Now it’s time to consider how you can maximize the fun and excitement your equipment offers.
90 Specifications Amplifier Section VSX-37TX : Continuous average power output of 120 watts* per channel, min., at 6 ohms, from 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz with no more than 0.09 %** total harmonic distortion (front). VSX-36TX: Continuous average power output of 100 watts* per channel, min.
91 Maintenance of External Surfaces • Use a polishing cloth or dry cloth to wipe off dust and dirt. • When the surfaces are dirty, wipe with a soft cloth dipped in some neutral cleanser diluted five or six times with water, and wrung out well, and then wipe again with a dry cloth.
<ARB7231-A> Printed in Japan <00C00ZF0P00> Published by Pioneer Corporation. Copyright © 2000 Pioneer Corporation. All rights reserved. PIONEER CORPORATION 4-1, Meguro 1-Chome, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 153-8654, Japan PIONEER ELECTRONICS [USA] INC.
An important point after buying a device Pioneer VSX-36TX (or even before the purchase) is to read its user manual. We should do this for several simple reasons:
If you have not bought Pioneer VSX-36TX yet, this is a good time to familiarize yourself with the basic data on the product. First of all view first pages of the manual, you can find above. You should find there the most important technical data Pioneer VSX-36TX - thus you can check whether the hardware meets your expectations. When delving into next pages of the user manual, Pioneer VSX-36TX you will learn all the available features of the product, as well as information on its operation. The information that you get Pioneer VSX-36TX will certainly help you make a decision on the purchase.
If you already are a holder of Pioneer VSX-36TX, but have not read the manual yet, you should do it for the reasons described above. You will learn then if you properly used the available features, and whether you have not made any mistakes, which can shorten the lifetime Pioneer VSX-36TX.
However, one of the most important roles played by the user manual is to help in solving problems with Pioneer VSX-36TX. Almost always you will find there Troubleshooting, which are the most frequently occurring failures and malfunctions of the device Pioneer VSX-36TX along with tips on how to solve them. Even if you fail to solve the problem, the manual will show you a further procedure – contact to the customer service center or the nearest service center
